Tanjungpinang, Riau Islands (ANTARA) – The Bintan District Health Office, Riau Archipelago, said that as many as 32 local residents who were infected with the virus that attacks the immune system (HIV) and AIDS sufferers are currently receiving medical treatment.
Head of the Bintan Health Office Gama AF Isnaini in Bintan said Friday that the patients consisted of 22 people infected with HIV, while the others had HIV. Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) or conditions resulting from HIV infection.
He detailed that eight HIV patients were being treated at Engku Haji Daud Hospital and eight others at the Bintan Regional General Hospital.
Meanwhile, six other HIV patients were under the supervision of a medical team from the Telok Sebong Health Center, Kuala Sempang Health Center, Kijang Health Center, Sei Lekop Health Center and Tospaya Health Center.
Meanwhile, five people with AIDS were treated at Engku Haji Daud Hospital, four at the Bintan Regional General Hospital, and one patient under the supervision of the Teluk Sasah Health Center medical team.
“HIV that is not treated immediately will develop into a serious condition called AIDS, the final stage of HIV infection. At this stage, the body’s ability to fight infection has completely disappeared,” he said.
Gama explained that HIV is a lifelong disease. Until now there has not been found a drug that can cure the disease. In other words, the HIV virus will remain in the patient’s body for life.
“Drugs that can slow the progression of this disease and can increase the life expectancy of sufferers,” he said.
According to him, HIV transmission can occur through vaginal or anal sex, using needles and blood transfusions. Although rare, HIV can also be transmitted from mother to child during pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.
Habits that can increase the risk of transmission such as having sex with multiple partners and without using protection, using shared needles, and doing work that involves contact with human body fluids without using sufficient personal protective equipment
To prevent contracting HIV and AIDS, you can do this by not having sex before marriage, not having multiple sexual partners, and using condoms during sexual intercourse.
“Avoiding drug use, getting correct information regarding HIV, ways of transmission, prevention and treatment, especially for teenagers,” he said.
This news has been published on Antaranews.com with the title: The Bintan Health Office said 32 residents contracted HIV-AIDS in medical treatment
